Don W. McNatt

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Ridgecrest Daily Independent - Ridgecrest, CA

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Posted Mar. 9, 2013 at 12:30 PM

Posted Mar. 9, 2013 at 12:30 PM

Donald Wayne McNatt (“Don”), resident of Trona and Ridgecrest, died peacefully at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital on March 1, 2013 after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his son, Sean McNatt, brothers J.D. and Bob McNatt, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife Mary McNatt.

Born in Safford Ariz., the family later moved to Bakersfield CA where he grew up. He enlisted in the US Marine Corp in 1949 and saw extensive combat in Korea with the First Marine Division, serving under the command of the legendary Col. “Chesty” Puller at the Chosin Reservoir. Wounded multiple times, he received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. The injuries were disabling and he was medically retired as a sergeant in 1953.

Returning the US, he looked around for a time before discovering his passion for music, thus beginning a lifelong career. He played with many famous bands and musicians he knew from Bakersfield, including Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Tex Ritter and too many others to recount.

He was an avid rock hound and prospector, loved fishing and the outdoors, but most of all, he was devoted to his grandchildren, which include Ian, Brandon, Andrew, Luke, Carissa and Tristan. Until just before his last hospitalization, “Poppa” Don lived with and cared for grandsons Andrew and Luke.

Services will be at the All Faith Chapel at the China Lake Naval Station on Saturday, March 16, 2013. Viewing will be from 10 to 11 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Arvin.